Good Morning,
I’ve been struggling getting any writing done recently. For the best part this is due to external pressures – Holidays (got to have a break now
and then). Grandchildren (There always seems to be a holiday from school, not that I’m complaining on that front) Admin – It’s okay writing books, but you have to edit them, promote them, work with designers, editors, proofreaders, narrators etc. (Again no complaints, it just takes hours out of the day) Houseworky stuff (A flick round with a duster takes time.) And around all that, you have to find time to sit down and get your head back into what world you’ve left on the laptop. For most of this year that’s been Little Compton.
I like it there, but for the last month or so, it’s been difficult to explain to Tom and Liz what they should be doing to solve the conundrum of The Burglar. It was all in my head, but could I get it out in a way that made sense? No! But, I’m happy to say, that’s all changed, although I don’t know why, and as soon as I open The Burglar, I’m off and running with but a mere glance at what’s been going on.
I have however managed to read. I always read in bed, then I can only think about that particular story. If it’s a good book, for far too long. Goodreads informs me I’ve already read sixteen books this year, and yesterday, despite the fact I should have been writing I got my reviews up to date. Because authors need reviews. It raises the profile of their books on various sites, and in particular Amazon, and it provides the author with useful feedback. Most of the time. So, if you’ve read a book you enjoyed please do review it. (Especially if it was mine).
I personally only review books I enjoy. But I try to choose wisely. There are many reasons you don’t enjoy a book. Maybe it’s your mood, not you genre, or the storyline doesn’t grab you. Those books I just delete from my kindle and move on. I check reviews on my books every month or so, and I’ve had some crackers from people who didn’t like them. That’s fair enough, but I sometimes think that people forget that I’m making stuff up. I thought I’d share a couple of the one star specials with you.
Misplaced Loyalty: “What a misogynistic piece of crap” – I’ve had quite a few comments in this vein. Meredith is not everyone’s cup of tea. Also had comments like “I can’t believe a woman wrote this” and an email from a reader that told me I should be “ashamed of myself” for promoting sexist behaviour. (No mention of the grisly serial killer). I responded politely, and explained it was fiction, although, men like Meredith do exist, and was told I was obviously a “man pleaser”. I don’t think my husband agrees.
Web of Deceit (M & H Book 12) “Stories would have been good – If left wing politics didn’t come into each book. Even talking about right wing extremists when we all know it’s the left that causes trouble , also hating on President Trump, what a shame.” The right wing extremists were in The Wrong Shoes (M & H Book 3) I did wonder whether they went on to read the Error of Judgement.
Bearing Witness (Boxed set) – “I enjoyed all the stories, but never would have read them if I’d known witchcraft was involved.” I can’t remember writing about witches.
I’m happy to say that the majority of the reviews I receive are positive, Thank You, if you’re one who takes the time to review, and it seems that readers are enjoying The Little Compton Mysteries. Which is just as well as I’ve almost finished, The Burglar. And, on that note, I’d better get back to it.
Happy reading,
Many thanks to all those who took part in the last competition. As promised, the draw took place on publication day, my granddaughter Edie did the draw ?and Nanny forgot to take a photograph! Drum roll . . . .and the winners, in no particular order, and drawn at random are:
gave her poor old mum more than a rough time before she finally put in an appearance. But I’m sure like the rest of the family, mum and dad now think those hours . . . and . . . hours and hours were worth it! Here she is a few days old, the bruising from the forceps almost gone. She is, without a doubt, one of the prettiest newborns I have ever seen. All I want now are my cuddles, not sure how long it will be before I get them . . . but let’s not go back there.
glorious sunshiny days, to just about bearable heatwave (for us), to spectacular thunder storms. We are currently in a lull and if it wasn’t for the temperature, when you look out of the window, you’d be forgiven for thinking it was November. That’s the weather dealt with! I’m not going to talk about the pandemic, I think we all hear enough about that, other than to say, whatever your views, I hope you and yours stay safe.
you’ve yet to meet the young Meredith click 
Beliefs
little time dedicate to writing, and when I do get a few hours here and there something happens to distract me. Not If You Paid Me, the next Meredith & Hodge story, is certainly moving along, but powered by snail rather than rocket. Hopefully this will all change soon, as the distractions settle into a pattern. . .
Hello and Seasons Greetings,
loved it, some said, “Nah, let’s get back to normal.”
wonderful and peaceful Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
Finally, if you have read the first three of the Meredith & Hodge series – 
I’m currently awaiting the printed copies of the new Meredith & Hodge novel, Mistaken Beliefs, for a final proof read, and then it’ll will be all systems go to get it out there. They should be here within the next few days, and if everything goes according to plan it will be available for pre-order shortly, and published in mid-June. Click 
